Thanks to all our backers! For information about pre-ordering the STEM System after the Kickstarter project go to sixense.com/STEM

Highlight Videos:

Full Immersion

The STEM System™ is a wireless, modular motion tracking platform for video games, virtual reality (VR), and more. It enables players to interact naturally and intuitively with games by tracking full position and orientation at all times, whether at the desktop or throughout the entire living room.

This the next big step in Sixense motion tracking technology, which has previously powered the Razer Hydra PC gaming controller, the input device of choice for developers of VR applications. Advancements for the STEM System include longer range, wireless operation, modular form factor, and better tracking performance at all ranges.

The STEM System will support up to five wireless motion tracking modules, or STEMs, for full position and orientation tracking of the head and hands, the entire body, or other configurations. You can also clip or strap a STEM to your body or any device you choose using a STEM Pack.

We will ship to Kickstarter backers a special edition for early adopters and developers that is feature-complete and functionally identical to the upcoming retail version. It is compatible with all types of displays, including VR head-mounted displays like the Oculus Rift and VR locomotion simulators like the Virtuix Omni.

Open Platform

In order to foster a robust developer community, the STEM System will be an open platform for creators of both software and hardware consumer products. Developers will be able to create games with virtually no restrictions and to embed STEMs for tracking of their own peripherals or wearable devices, such as swords, baseball bats or head-mounted displays. The modularity of the STEM System will give developers the flexibility and autonomy they need to create motion-tracked titles complete with motion-tracked peripherals of their own design.

The second-generation Sixense SDK takes advantage of the STEM System’s extended capabilities and also provides backward compatibility with products and games powered by earlier generations of Sixense motion tracking technology, including the Razer Hydra. The SDK is available for Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

We’re bringing the STEM System directly to you so that you can start developing as quickly as possible – integrating your existing games, creating new ones, and developing new hardware.

Support for Any Game

Sixense MotionCreator is a powerful software application that delivers
motion gameplay to virtually any published PC game. It allows you to play
using the natural, intuitive motion control provided by the STEM System. The
game itself is never “aware” that any new device is being used to play the game
since Sixense MotionCreator emulates the inputs for which the game was
designed.

Hundreds of games are already supported by Sixense MotionCreator, so a huge
catalog of titles for the STEM System will be available when it ships. Users
can create profiles that convert the STEM System’s motion tracking, button,
analog sticks, and analog triggers to mouse and keyboard commands. And anyone
can use and customize Sixense MotionCreator, even those without game or
software development skills. Sixense MotionCreator is available free to users of the STEM System.

Developer
Support

The Sixense Tuscany Demo adds motion input to the standard Oculus Rift Tuscany demo. We modified the demo to demonstrate the STEM System's ability to drastically enhance the immersive experience delivered by VR applications. For the first time, this allows users to interact with the virtual world intuitively and
naturally with their head, hands, and feet. No development experience is required to use the demo.

We will release
the source code for the Sixense Tuscany Demo for all developers. It includes
the following features to enable STEM System developers to quickly and easily add
motion input to their own applications:

Sixense Player Controller
prefab decoupling the head from the body. Drag and drop into your scene

Sixense Tuscany Demo scene

Why
Kickstarter?

Kickstarter gives us an opportunity to directly engage a
developer and enthusiast community who can help us build an ecosystem with
great content. Almost every key feature decision for the STEM System is based
on feedback that we’ve received from these very groups, and we’re always
listening. Working together, we can ensure that the STEM System is what you
want and that great applications will be available as soon as possible.

With Kickstarter backing, we will fund the final stages of
development and the manufacturing of the units to be
shipped to backers. The same product will enter mass production later for
broader distribution.

Technology and Features

Sixense developed the electromagnetic motion tracking
technology that is used in consumer products worldwide. The STEM System
represents the next generation of this technology, with a new architecture that
delivers longer range, lower latency, and better performance at all ranges.

Wireless motion tracking. Freedom of movement for any
activity, from desktop competitive gaming to VR with full body tracking and
locomotion.

Five tracking points. Allows tracking of all four limbs plus the head – or any other configuration.

Modular form
factor. Each STEM is a standalone position and orientation tracker. It can be embedded in a STEM Controller, one of our STEM Packs,
or other compatible peripheral.

Extended range.
Optimized performance from the desktop to the living room, with an 8-foot radius
(16-foot diameter) range from the Base.

Backward
compatibility via the Sixense SDK. Uses an updated version of the Sixense
SDK (for Windows, Mac OS and Linux) that also supports games and applications developed for the Razer Hydra.

Performance specs

Our technology uses an A/C electromagnetic field to
determine the position and orientation of each STEM (up to five per system)
relative to a stationary base. The STEM System allows an uninterrupted and
consistent user experience unlike any other motion control system.

No drift. Because
Sixense technology does not rely on inertial sensors (gyroscopes and accelerometers)
for position tracking, the measured position of each STEM will not drift over time, whether you move quickly, slowly, or not at all.

Low latency. Patented
Sixense latency technology is used in the STEM System – giving it the
lowest latency of any wireless consumer motion control system.

One-to-one
tracking. This means that the STEM System tracks both position and orientation
on all three axes for each STEM. These data are very easy for developers
to incorporate into software applications via the Sixense SDK.

No line of sight
required between STEMs and the Base. You have the freedom to turn around,
put the STEMs in your pockets or stand behind your couch – all without interrupting
the tracking performance.

Key Components

The STEM System we ship to Kickstarter backers will be a
special edition for early adopters and developers but it will be functionally
identical to the retail version. Note that we have different backer levels with different
configurations of the components.

The key components of the STEM System that will ship to
Kickstarter backers include the following:

We’re always listening to both users and developers and
we’re working hard to ensure that all features in the STEM System help you
develop faster and play better. We set the bar for performance to the highest
consumer standards. Developers won’t be restricted in what they create and
enthusiasts and early adopter backers will get the best possible motion control
system.

Great for VR

Any distraction or intrusion from the "real world" degrades
the virtual reality experience. Traditional input devices such as the mouse and
keyboard or gamepad are unnatural in VR, serving as constant reminders to users
of the world outside the virtual environment. Sixense-powered wired
controllers, such as the Razer Hydra, provide that “Aha!” moment
when the user puts on the VR headset, and then looks down and sees his or her
virtual hands moving exactly as they do in real life.

Today’s rapidly growing community of VR developers realize
that the controller needs to be improved in order to deliver the uninterrupted and immersive experience they’re after. The STEM System goes way beyond,
freeing you from wires and opening up the
entire living room.

What may change?

Industrial Design. Our first effort looks and
feels great and will support accessories like swords and shields. As we
finalize the internals and receive feedback from our backers we may need to
make changes to ensure that the design allows for the best possible user
experience. Aesthetics and ergonomics aside, the STEM System we’ll ship to our
Kickstarter backers will function identically to the retail version.

Milestones

We have completed design and testing of our core motion tracking architecture. Below are some key past and future milestones:

November 2012 – STEM System Generation 1 completed.

June 2013 – STEM System Generation 2 completed.

November 2013 – STEM System Generation 3 board design completed.

December 2013 – Industrial design completed.

January 2014 – Playable system prototype.

April 2014 – Pre-production units for testing
and quality assurance.

July 2014 – Ship date to Kickstarter backers.

About Sixense

Our core goal in founding Sixense was to develop the ideal
motion-tracking platform and make it affordable for gamers. We like the word
“ideal” because we believe that there is always room to improve the technology
toward this goal. Since day one, we’ve been dedicated to delivering the best
way to interact with 3D digital media. We have always believed that in order to
deliver a truly immersive experience, the user interface must be able to
recognize your every move. We’re now able to create the platform that makes this possible.

Sixense is a team of developers, engineers, and enthusiasts
who share this passion. Our founder, Amir Rubin, brings over 20 years of
experience as an inventor and entrepreneur in developing consumer and
professional motion tracking devices and simulators with companies like Sega,
Callaway Golf, Louisville Slugger and Roland. We are all dedicated users of the
technology and products that we create, so
we have a lot of fun.

T-Shirts

Backers at $25 or above receive a choice of one of the t-shirts below.

Add-ons

Our add-ons allow you to customize your pledge level for the
STEM System project. Just increase the amount of your pledge to cover the
total additional charges for the add-ons you want. We'll send you a
survey after the project closes so you can tell us what you've chosen. Add-ons are available to any backer of any pledge that includes a STEM
System, in any configuration ($149 and above). Please note that
additional shipping and handling charges apply for international orders (outside the U.S.).

T-shirts: $25 each. You can choose from the three styles. Remember that each backer level of $149 or higher already comes with one t-shirt. This allows you to get the other styles if you want.

STEM: $39 each. Up to five STEMs are supported by a single
Base. Each STEM can be used with STEM
Controllers or controllers/peripherals of your own design, or with STEM Packs.

STEM Pack: $49 each. Each STEM Pack includes
a built-in rechargeable
battery and communications, a strap, and a clip. STEM is not included. Perfect if
you want to use the STEMs that come with the Controllers.

STEM Controller: $59 each. Each Controller
includes a built-in rechargeable battery & communications. STEM is not included.
Perfect if you want to use the STEMs that come with the STEM Packs to play a game
with a friend (like the Portal 2 MotionPack Co-op campaign).

STEM Base: $99 each. Add an
additional Base.To extend the play zone
range you can add up to two more Bases. STEMs, STEM Controllers or STEM Packs are not
included.

Stretch Goals

(more to come)

Stretch Goal #1 - $550,000 - Wireless STEM Base

We’ll add wireless communications between the STEM Base and the host computer. The wireless Base will be powered by a rechargeable battery with approximately 8 hours of play time (or A/C power of course). This means that you’ll be free to place the STEM Base away from the host computer, which can be very helpful if you are not playing at a desktop. Note that when the STEM Base is running on battery power, it will not charge Controllers or STEM Packs that are docked.

Stretch Goal #2 - $700,000 - Android and iOS support

We will implement direct support for the STEM System on Android and iOS. An updated Sixense software development kit (SDK) will support Android 3.2 or higher and iOS 6 and higher, allowing STEM System developers to bring Sixense motion tracking to a huge installed base of mobile devices.

Our video above shows a virtual camera application for which we’ve heard a lot of requests. The STEM System running on Android and iOS will enable applications like the virtual camera, or even the ability to turn a mobile device into a VR head-mounted display.

The Sixense SDK will provide both 32-bit and 64-bit builds to support iOS. For Android developers, the SDK will support both native code and Java. The SDK can receive data from the STEM System via wireless or wired connection.

Risks and challenges

High-tech hardware design projects are complicated. Fortunately we have a team that has many years of experience in motion tracking, simulation, games and other software and consumer products. We’re doing everything we can to minimize risks to ensure that we can deliver the STEM System on time.

The technology is proven and we have working prototypes and existing relationships with manufacturers in the United States, China and Hong Kong. We are sourcing key components through close relationships with partners like Analog Devices and Nordic Semiconductor, who have supported us through the process of developing the technology. So while there is certainly risk at every step of the way in this complicated project we are confident that we have the right team to make it all happen.

We’re looking forward to your support and feedback as the last step to make the STEM System the best it can be.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

SILVER BUNDLE. 1 Base + 5 STEMs + 5 Controllers + 5 STEM Packs. This is a maxed-out system. Also receive one pre-production prototype and participate with Sixense in final stages of testing and quality assurance. Includes personalized Kickstarter-exclusive carrying case and all three t-shirts (“VR Pioneer”, “STEM” and “Powered by Sixense”). Additional charge for international (non-US) shipping -- please see FAQ.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,500 or more
About $1,500

DEVELOPER DOUBLE BUNDLE. 2 Bases + 10 STEMs + 10 STEM Controllers + 10 STEM Packs. Great for development using two bases on one host. Also receive one pre-production prototype and participate with Sixense in final stages of testing and quality assurance. Includes personalized Kickstarter-exclusive carrying case and all three t-shirts (“VR Pioneer”, “STEM” and “Powered by Sixense”). Additional charge for international (non-US) shipping -- please see FAQ.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

DEVELOPER TRIPLE BUNDLE. 3 Bases + 15 STEMs + 15 STEM Controllers + 15 STEM Packs. Great for development using three bases on one host. Also receive one pre-production prototype and participate with Sixense in final stages of testing and quality assurance. Includes personalized Kickstarter-exclusive carrying case and all three t-shirts (“VR Pioneer”, “STEM” and “Powered by Sixense”). Additional charge for international (non-US) shipping -- please see FAQ.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

GOLD BUNDLE. Includes the ENTIRE SILVER BUNDLE reward PLUS a Generation 2 prototype and participate with Sixense in final stages of testing and quality assurance PLUS spend a full day with the Sixense team in California. Your name will also appear in the “Thank You” section of the documentation. Airfare and hotel not included. Additional charge for international (non-US) shipping -- please see FAQ.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

PLATINUM BUNDLE. Includes the ENTIRE SILVER BUNDLE reward PLUS Generations 1 AND 2 prototypes PLUS receive a pre-production prototype and participate with Sixense in final stages of testing and quality assurance, PLUS be Sixense’s guest at the Game Developer Conference in San Francisco in 2014. Your name will also appear in the “Thank You” section of the documentation. Airfare and hotel not included. Additional charge for international (non-US) shipping -- please see FAQ.